Scottish shipyard begins construction of new Royal Navy warship
The construction of a new Royal Navy warship has started at a Scottish shipyard.
Work started on HMS Formidable, the third of the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 warships, at a ceremony in the Rosyth shipyard on the Forth of Firth.
A total of five frigates are to be built at the yard, sustaining more than 2,500 jobs in Scotland and across the wider supply chain. The work will also create 400 extra apprenticeship roles.
The Ministry of Defence said that the frigates would be used to intercept and disrupt those “using the sea for unlawful purposes”, intelligence gathering and humanitarian support.
They will also be able to shoot down missiles and enemy air targets using a Sea Ceptor missile system. Capable of rapid deployment, the vessels will be equipped with advanced radar, communication systems, and a variety of armaments.
Luke Pollard, the Armed Forces minister, who attended the ceremony, said: “This Government is committed to making Britain secure at home and strong abroad. These frigates will be at the heart of the Royal Navy fleet, deterring aggression and supporting our military.
“Today’s significant milestone is backing the government’s mission to grow the economy by supporting thousands of jobs in Scotland and across the UK.”
‘Significant milestone’
Cdre Stephen Roberts, the Royal Navy’s senior responsible owner for the Type 31 programme, said: “This is a momentous occasion for all involved and we are proud to have marked this significant milestone in this way.
“When complete, this remarkable fleet of general-purpose frigates will deliver an impressive capability for Royal Navy and play a huge role in the continued security and prosperity of our nation.”
The ships will have a top speed of more than 26 knots – equivalent to nearly 30mph – and accommodate a crew of about 100 personnel.
They will replace the five Type 23 general purpose frigates that have been used to secure the UK’s vital maritime trade routes east of the Suez Canal and safeguard British interests in the South Atlantic.
David Lockwood, the chief executive of Babcock, which owns and operates the shipyard, said: “This programme is a real demonstration of UK sovereign shipbuilding capability and is delivering positive economic impact within Scotland and in communities across the UK.”